Halton cops put own ‘lives at risk’ to pull man from burning vehicle in fiery Milton crash

A man is in stable condition at a local hospital and fortunate to be alive after being pulled from his burning vehicle by Halton Regional Police officers after a crash at a Milton intersection in the early hours of Friday morning (Aug. 4).

The single vehicle collision occurred around 2:15 a.m. when a blue Nissan Versa travelling westbound on Clark Blvd. lost control, went through the intersection at Philbrook Dr. and collided with a tree before it burst into flames.

Police were first on the scene and found an unconscious male inside the burning vehicle. They proceeded to cut the driver from his seatbelt and dragged him away from the car.

Officers also used fire extinguishers from their cruisers to put out the flames before the ruptured gas tank ignited.

“I could not be more proud of our officers in this instance, as I am day in and day out, while they go about protecting all whom we serve and protect,” said Halton Regional Police Service Chief, Stephen Tanner. “But in this instance in particular, they put their own safety and lives at risk to save a person who had crashed and was trapped inside a burning vehicle. Their quick actions to fight the fire while at the same time cutting the person free and extricating him from the vehicle undoubtedly saved his life.

“We all wish the individual all the best as his recovery continues.”

The driver was taken to the hospital and admitted to the ICU where he is currently in stable condition.

“So many can be critical of the police and at times the media looks for mistakes. But these types of heroic actions are not uncommon and need to be recognized as well,” said Chief Tanner. “Our officers and officers across this province and country save lives every day. Whether it is instances such as this, where there is an immediate and obvious risk, administering naloxone to a fentanyl overdose victim, or intervening to protect a person in crisis, we need to do more to thank our frontline officers, firefighters and paramedics.”

Halton police are investigating the crash that happened in Coates Neighborhood Park South. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact HRPS 1 District at 905-825-4777, ext. 2405.